An abusive and intimidating beggar who would act aggressively towards members of the public has been slapped with a criminal behaviour order (CBO).
Lee Percival, of no fixed address, was handed a CBO that will last for two years after ongoing reports of aggressive drinking, being verbally abusive to the local community and begging.
Under the order, which began on April 29, the 40-year-old no longer able to enter Stockton town centre or be in possession of an open alcohol container while in public and if he breaches the order he may be recalled to prison or fined.
“Percival was intimidating towards members of the public with his repeated behaviour, which included being verbally abusive, aggressive, and he would often be found begging around the fountain area in Stockton, where a lot of families, young children and elderly people like to sit.
“We also want to recognise the support that Percival can receive, and he has been required to engage with drug and alcohol services to help rehabilitate and help him.”
Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “Our town centres have so much to offer and together with Cleveland Police, our message is clear that this sort of unacceptable behaviour simply will not be tolerated.
“We will continue to take action against anti-social behaviour, and in Norton, our efforts are boosted by the Public Space Protection Order, which has been in place since April 2023.
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“Of course, you can report any anti-social behaviour concerns you have to our Civic Enforcement team.
“And this comes as our work on ‘Operation Shield’, along with the Police and other partners like Wellington Square and Stockton BID, continues to help ensure all of our visitors to Stockton town centre have a safe and enjoyable time.
“Regular patrols by Enforcement and Police colleagues will be carried on to help reassure residents and allow them to have a relaxing time when out and about.”
